One of the first books written in English exclusively on Parsi cooking, and because of the never-fail recipes written in a simple easy-to-follow format. The book contains all the Parsi favourites including Dhansakh, Prawn Patio, Sas-ni-Machhi, Chicken Farcha and Laggan Custard. Jeroo Mehta is the doyenne of Parsi cooking. She discovered her culinary talent during her husband s posting at Moscow and has never looked back. Her recipes, which have been tried and tested to perfection, have earned for 101 Parsi Recipes the status of the Bible of Parsi cooking. Her never-fail recipes, written in a detailed and simple style, are easy to follow by those who already know Parsi cooking as well as those who venture to try it for the first time. All the favourites are here, from the famous rice dish Dhansak, and the popular egg recipes, to the best known fish, meat, chicken, and vegetable dishes, and of course, the well-known desserts. Loyal fans of 101 , as it is affectionately known, will be delighted to discover that this new edition has maintained the flavour of the original, updating only the photographs.

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Food is integral in a Parsi home, be it at festivals, as part of tradition or enjoying a leisurely, lavish spread. All three elements come together this Sunday, when Zoroastrians celebrate their New Year, Navroz. The GUIDE caught up with Jeroo Mehta, expert in Parsi cuisine, to take us through its intricacies and uniqueness

“Considering the miniscule size of the community, compared to what it has achieved and contributed, I am proud to be a Parsi,” says Jeroo Mehta, the doyenne of Parsi cooking, on the eve of Navroz. Dressed in a light blue shirt and white pants, the culinary author and former Associate Editor of a leading women’s magazine, tells us that Parsis believe that there are six seasons in a year with important festivals – originally related to agriculture. In each, food plays a very important role.Food matters
“I embarked into marriage without knowing how to cook, and it was because of the trials and tribulations both I and my family had to suffer whenever we were without an experienced cook that I wrote the book, 101 Parsi Recipes,” she says with a laugh. “When I perfected the art of cooking, I decided to put it all down, so no bride would be in the same plight as I was in!”According to Mehta, on festive occasions like Navrozbirthdays and anniversaries, a typical Parsi menu would include a fish dish like Crispy-Brown Fried Fish or Luganno Sas (Fish in Spicy White Sauce), Khari Murghi-ma Sali (Chicken with Potato Straws), Meat Pilau with Masala Dal (Dhansak Dal without meat), or Dhan Dal and Kolimino Patio (Prawn Patio). The meal would end with a dessert of Sev with Sweet Curd, or Ravo.Nuts over food
Over the centuries since the first Zoroastrians arrived in India, Parsis have integrated themselves into Indian society while simultaneously maintaining or developing their own distinct customs and traditions. “The use of dry fruits, liberally sprinkled over desserts and other dishes, and saffron, are a Persian influence,” says Mehta.“Almonds, pistachios, kismis, walnuts, cashew, etc enhance Parsi cuisine. Figs, pomegranates (symbol of fertility), plums and apricots are used with abandon and decorate special dishes for celebrations during festivals and on any happy occasion.Although a lot of our cooking reflects the Persian influence, which followed us to India 13 centuries ago, Parsi cuisine has adopted many ingredients that are used by other communities in India,” she reasserts. Thus Milky Falooda (traditionally served at Navroz), coconut milk in cooking and many other flavours and spices of the varied and individual cuisines of India have become part of Parsi cuisine.

About the Ses
Pointing to the cover of her bestseller, 101 Parsi Recipes, which shows a Ses (used on auspicious occasions) and consists of a silver plated tray or thali, containing a pigani, a container for the kum-kum, a vermillion paste, a paro which is conical shaped and contains sakar (large sugar crystals), and a gulabus which contains rose water, Mehta explains how each constituent of the thali has immense significance to a Parsi.There may also be paan and sopari and a fish, which are considered auspicious symbols. The Ses may also contain rice, signifying abundance, sugar (sweetness), silver coins (wealth), eggs, for long life, and pomegranate.

Look up Rita’s Saas made for everyday meals and served with Khichri.

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Hi,
Cooking can be memorable! Create memories with family and friends.
I like to share traditional, fusion, fun recipes with you, so the art of parsi cuisine is revived for the 21st century.
Using recipes on this site and my cookbooks, I hope you cook mouth-watering Indian Parsi food at home.
Happy Cooking and thank you for your visit,
Rita